Player Updates

Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns is in camp again this year competing for the last spot in the team's rotation. His top competition is Alex Colome, who is out of options unlike Karns.

Even if Karns has to begin the season in the minors, the Rays still have high hopes for the 27-year-old right-hander.

"Karns has big stuff," Rays minor-league director Mitch Lukevics said, per MLB.com. "I watched him a lot last season in Durham. Big stuff, big tools. He's improving his command. And when he gets that command and learns how to pitch a little more, the sky's the limit for him."

Rays pitcher Nathan Karns dominated the Blue Jays in his first start of the season on Friday, limiting hitters to two hits and two walks while striking out eight over seven scoreless innings of a 1-0 victory.

Rays pitcher Nathan Karns has been named the starter for Friday's game against the Blue Jays.

The team decided to shut Drew Smyly down for the season Tuesday, opening up a spot in the rotation. Karns, who hasn't pitched in the majors this season, owns a 5.08 ERA and 153:62 K:BB ratio in 145 1/3 innings with Triple-A Durham.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (elbow) is not a candidate to start in Friday's doubleheader against the Orioles. Jake Odorizzi will start one game in the doubleheader, and Maddon added Nathan Karns and Alex Colome are the candidates to start the other game.